FAO Yemen: Socotra Advances Sustainable Fisheries Through Scientific Monitoring and Responsible Lobster Harvest

Socotra Archipelago, Yemen – Significant progress has been made toward strengthening sustainable fisheries management in the Socotra Archipelago through the successful implementation of a biological data collection programme targeting key commercial marine species.

Under an initiative supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Marine Sciences and Biological Research Authority (MSBRA) and the Fisheries Authority and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), systematic biological monitoring was conducted across five major fish landing sites. The programme focused on priority species, including spiny rock lobster, Pharaoh cuttlefish, and Spanish mackerel.

During the reporting period (February 2025 – February 2026), trained field enumerators conducted regular sampling, collecting critical biological data such as size distribution, weight, and reproductive indicators. This effort addresses longstanding data gaps and establishes a robust scientific baseline to inform evidence-based fisheries management planning.

Responsible Lobster Fishing Season Demonstrates Positive Compliance

A key achievement of the program was the close monitoring of lobster catches during the officially designated fishing season, as regulated by the Fisheries Authority.

Biological sampling confirmed that:

• The majority of landed lobsters exceeded 19 cm length, meeting and surpassing the minimum legal-size requirement under Yemeni Fisheries Law.
• No egg-bearing females were retained in the catch. Any berried females encountered were immediately returned to the sea.

These findings demonstrate:

• Strong adherence to seasonal fishing regulations
• Compliance with minimum size limits to protect juvenile stocks
• Increased awareness among fishing communities regarding sustainable harvesting practices

 The results provide compelling evidence that well-enforced, science-based regulations can support the long-term sustainability of lobster stocks in Socotra.

Building Local Capacity for Long-Term Sustainability

Beyond data collection, the initiative strengthened local institutional capacity by:

• Training field data collectors in standardized biological monitoring methods
• Harmonizing data collection protocols across landing sites
• Enhancing coordination between fisheries authorities and research institutions

The biological database generated will continue to support:

• Stock assessment and exploitation monitoring
• Enforcement of closed seasons
• Adaptive fisheries management decision-making
• Development and implementation of species-specific Fisheries Management Plans

Safeguarding Livelihoods and Marine Ecosystems

With approximately 60 percent of Socotra’s population depending directly on fisheries for their livelihoods, sustainable management of marine resources is essential for food security, economic resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

This achievement marks an important milestone toward ensuring that Socotra’s valuable marine ecosystems remain productive for future generations, while maintaining stable income opportunities for local fishing communities.